Prinivil is used for treating high blood pressure alone or with other medicines. It is used along with other medicines to manage heart failure or improve survival after a heart attack. Prinivil is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It works by relaxing blood vessels. This helps to lower blood pressure.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Prinivil as directed by your doctor.

Take Prinivil by mouth with or without food.

If you miss a dose of Prinivil, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Prinivil.

STORAGE

Store Prinivil at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Do not freeze. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Prinivil out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Lisinopril.

Do NOT use Prinivil if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Prinivil

you have a history of angioedema (swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness), including angioedema caused by treatment with an ACE inhibitor

you are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy

the patient is a child with severe kidney problems.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Prinivil. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

Lithium or thiopurines (eg, azathioprine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Prinivil.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Prinivil may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Prinivil may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Prinivil with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Prinivil may cause a serious side effect called angioedema. Contact your doctor at once if you develop swelling of the hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness.

Prinivil may not work as well in black patients. They may also be at greater risk of side effects. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse.

Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Contact your health care provider at once if any of these occur.

Rarely, Prinivil may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. This risk may be greater if you have certain other health problems (eg, kidney problems, collagen vascular disease). Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.

Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Prinivil before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.

If you have high blood pressure, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. These products may include diet pills or cold medicines. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Lab tests, including blood pressure, blood electrolyte levels, heart function, or kidney or liver function, may be performed while you use Prinivil. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Use Prinivil with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Prinivil should not be used in children younger 6 years; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Prinivil may cause birth defects or fetal death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Prinivil is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Prinivil.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effectspersist or become bothersome:

Cough; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; tiredness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur: